Once in Havana

TEATRO89 - the multi-genre theatre under the artistic direction of co-founders Frank Valdez and Galina Kiryan presents Once in Havana - a musical theater production full of dance.

Once in Havana is a production full of music and dance, a kaleidoscope of memories based on an original script by Kazakhstani-Cuban director and choreographer Frank Valdez.

This story is about Cuba, a place that-though draped in passions, brightness, and color - offers more than meets the eye.

The plot revolves around gifted musicians, who became founders of Cuban and Latin American music and shared their sounds all over the world.

This is a story about love: multifaceted, sincere and pure. Such love is not tied to a place and does not end.

This is a story about dreams. Are they destined to come true?

This is a story of each one of us, regardless of country, culture or time in which we live. Though oceans may divide us, the similarities we share far outweigh our differences.

This is a story about hope and the ever-present opportunity to change something in yourself, your environment and your society. Before it’s too late and without delay, be the change.
Only by pushing through fears, obstacles, and constraints to achieve our dreams can we confidently say, «My world will never be the same.»

Poster: Alina Murzagaliyeva

The official opening of TEATRO89 took place on August 5, 2023.

Once in Havana is a play co-created by Frank and Galina, who also act as main characters alongside other talented artists.

Starring:

• Galina Kiryan (Lead)
• Frank Valdes
• Alina Murzagaliyeva
• Alisher Bazarov
• Alexey Semenov
• Artem Geidt
• Valeria Shavela
• Olga Semenova

Cameo Appearance:

• Ariel Silva Valdes

About Frank Valdez (scriptwriter, director & actor)

Frank Valdez is a Kazakhstani dance director/choreographer and performer from Almaty of Cuban origin.

He graduated from the Cuban National Art School in 2005, specializing in Professional Dance and Choreography.

In 2007, he began teaching dance at the National Dance Academy in Cuba.

Since 2009, Frank has been living and working in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

About Galina Kiryan (editor, producer & lead actress)

Galina Kiryan is an actress, singer and creative producer originally from Almaty.

Galina received her Bachelor of Social Sciences and Master of International Relations degrees from KIMEP University.

She has more than 24 years of experience in performing arts, public speaking and on stage work, among them at KELT, an Almaty-based Kazakhstan English Language Theater.

She is a vocalist in the Ruby Jasper Trio.

In 2019, Galina was cast in the Broadway group of Yes Academy/American Voices, a project supported by the US Consulate of Kazakhstan.